Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided a positive update for Che Adams, stating that the striker was only brought off on Saturday as a precaution.
The Scotsman was brought off in the 61st minute in the Saints 3-1 win over Leeds United on Saturday, a result which speaks rather favourably for their play-off chances. Both Southampton and Leeds have now made the post-season, with the latter missing out on automatic promotion on the final day.
Given their finishing position, both will be favourites to win their semi-final ties and could well meet in this season’s play-off final. Based off of the result on Saturday, which broke a three match losing run, Russell Martin will fancy his sides’ chances.
There was however a slight worry after striker Che Adams was forced off. It’s never ideal when one of your star players goes down with an injury, but with what is still left to come for the club this season, it could’ve been a huge blow if it was a season-ender.
Adams has 15 goals and four assists to his name in the second tier this season and has once again proven himself at the level. He’ll be hoping to still play a part for the club this season, especially with his contract up this summer.
It does however seem likely that Adams will be back, with Russell Martin providing a positive update to the Southampton Daily Echo after the Leeds win.
“He felt a bit of tightness. There is no point carrying on and risking him after that. I think he will be alright. Thankfully we also had Ross Stewart to bring on today, which was really amazing for us.”
Fortunately for the Saints, they do have attacking options in their ranks if Adams’ injury does get any worse. They’ve also obviously got Adam Armstrong, who has been on fire this season notching 34 goal contributions in the Championship.
To stand the best chance of an immediate return to the Premier League, both need to be fit as they’ve formed quite the partnership this year. Adams may play less of a part when they face West Brom in the first leg next Sunday and it’s a situation worth monitoring.
Writer’s View
Adams’ injury didn’t look too serious when he went off of the pitch, something which has now been confirmed by his manager. It was a smart decision by Martin and as he mentioned, there is no point risking anything with the play-offs in mind.
Over two legs against West Brom, the Saints will probably fancy their chances. The Baggies haven’t exactly been in the best of form but did gain a decent result beating Preston North End 3-0 on the final day.
Having a full-strength side will certainly help Southampton’s chances, as does the second leg being the home leg. If they can get through the first leg unscathed, then they’ll be huge favourites to make the trip to Wembley.
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